A senior citizen finds herself back behind bars after failing to fulfill the terms of her probation agreement. Cathie Ann Oldham was initially arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or higher. However, she is now incarcerated for noncompliance with her probation requirements.
According to the arrest report from Wildwood, Florida, police received a complaint about an intoxicated individual in a vehicle. Officers discovered Oldham seated in the driver’s seat of a PT Cruiser, which was stopped in the middle of the roadway. Witnesses reported that she had been driving recklessly, hitting a curb and narrowly avoiding a collision with a golf cart before coming to a stop.
Described as both disoriented and unable to maintain her balance, Oldham struggled to perform field sobriety exercises. Due to concerns for her safety, the exercises were discontinued. While in jail, she appeared confused and had no recollection of her actions. Oldham claimed to have been driving her golf cart and seemed unaware that she was actually in a PT Cruiser. She also attributed her impaired demeanor to her alleged battle with COVID-19.
Months later, Oldham pleaded no contest to the charge and agreed to a year-long probation, along with other requirements. However, court documents from this year indicate that she violated five of the conditions set forth in her probation. Oldham attempted to terminate her probation through a filed motion, but her request was denied by the judge. She also sought bond to avoid imprisonment, but that plea was also dismissed.
On February 1, Oldham was taken into custody by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Despite being 72 years old, she now faces a violation of probation hearing scheduled for March 7. It is noteworthy that her original charge for DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher was classified as a second-degree misdemeanor rather than a felony.
The circumstances surrounding Cathie Ann Oldham’s return to jail illustrate the consequences of failing to meet the obligations outlined in a plea deal. With a curious twist of events, her initial arrest for DUI has now been overshadowed by her inability to comply with the terms of her probation. As this legal drama unfolds, it serves as a reminder that accountability remains a crucial aspect of any agreement within the justice system.
